Australia General Travel Information

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It is approximately 50% larger than Europe and Western Australia alone is about 10 times as large as Britain! Despite this it has the lowest population density in the world - only 2 people per km²

Geography

The Australian environment is unique. Boasting unspoilt beaches, tropical rainforest, rugged mountain ranges and vast tracks of desert, Australia is a country of contrast.

Climate

With the reverse seasons of the Northern Hemisphere, Australia enjoys a largely temperate climate. Most of Australia receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, or an amazing 70% of the total possible hours.

Time Zones

There are three time zones in Australia: Eastern Standard Time(EST), which includes New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian capital territory; Central Standard Time(CST), which includes South Australia and the Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time(WST) - Western Australia. CST is ½ hour behind EST while WST is 2 hours behind EST.

Passports and Visas

Travellers to Australia need a valid passport or similar certificate of information everyone, except travellers with Australian or New Zealand passports, requires a visa. For stays up to ninety days most nationalities are eligible to apply for a visa using the Electronic Travel Authority System (ETA). There is no evidence placed in the passport and the existence of an ETA is verified electronically at check-in prior to boarding the aircraft and again at the point of entry to Australia. We can arrange your ETA for a charge of £10 per person.

Customs

There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.

Tax Free/Duty Free

Each traveller of 18 years of age can bring into Australia 1125ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. For other goods including those intended as gifts, a duty/tax free allowance of $A400 per person or $A200 per person under 18 is available. These articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial purposes.

Cash and Foreign Currency

If you bring in or take out of Australia more than $A10,000 cash or the equivalent in foreign currency (travellers cheques excluded), you must declare it to Customs. Failure to do so is an offence.

Quarantine

Australia has strict quarantine regulations. Australia is free from many pests and diseases found elsewhere in the world It's vital that you declare any food, plant or animal items upon arrival, including fresh and packages food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, animals, wood and plants. You can dispose of these items at binds found in international airports.

Medications

Medicinal products brought into Australia are subject to strict controls and should be declared on arrival. It is advisable to have a letter or prescription from your doctor describing your medical condition and the medication.